Work to start on $176m upgrade

Pictured: Artist’s impressions – indicative only, subject to change and final design.

Designs are being finalised and work on the Linkfield Road Overpass upgrade is set to start in coming months.

The State Government has released $10 million for “preparation activities” ahead of construction on the bridge across Gympie Arterial Rd at Bald Hills.

A spokesperson for Transport and Main Roads (TMR) said initial work will include relocating around 350 metres of a gas main and earthworks.

“The main construction phase will commence once these works have been completed and the construction tendering process has been carried out,” the spokesperson said.

“The department is collaborating with the construction industry to finalise the design for construction tendering, which will inform the construction timelines.”

The $176 million project, on the state-controlled road linking Brendale And Fitzgibbon, is funded by the federal ($125.5 million) and state ($50.5 million) governments.

“TMR has investigated options to reduce traffic congestion at the overpass, improve safety and freight access, and make more provision for active transport,” State Minister for Transport and Main Roads Bart Mellish said.

“Those works will pave the way for construction which is now committed at $176 million by the Australian and Queensland governments, in recognition of the importance of this infrastructure.”

However, Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth said he secured $100m, of the projected $125m cost, in 2018 under the previous Federal Government.

He said the State Labor Government was committing to upgrade Linkfield Rd Overpass “six years too late” and the cost ad now increased by more than $50 million.

“Given the delay already experienced under these Labor Governments, we know that the Linkfield Rd Overpass won't be constructed in a reasonable timeframe,” Mr Howarth said.

“The Government’s partisan inaction six years ago to deliver this project for the people that they represent has resulted in cost and safety blow outs.”

This overpass has been hit three times by trucks in the last few years due to its height, causing major delays and restrictions while safety checks were carried out.